“Richard Eastman wasn’t looking for redemption. He was content drowning his memories of the Gulf War, his dead brother, and a father whose love had always seemed unattainable. But when an angel whose wings have been sawn off arrives in his life, “Captain Eastman” makes a decision:

Save the angel and return her wings or die trying.

In search of the wingless angel, Eastman battles demonic henchmen on the streets of San Francisco, venturing down to the deepest levels of Hell, all the way to Lucifer’s throne. For Captain Richard Eastman, the only way home is death or victory; the only way to redemption is to help his angel and retrieve her missing wings.”

And once you’ve bought it and read it, please let me know what your thoughts are on it by giving it a review. That would be deeply appreciated.

It took fifteen years of never giving up on this book to get to this day, and you know, yeah… I feel pretty proud at this moment. The book was always there in my desk drawer, and it always there in my mind.

I just knew that I could never give up.

And now here it is, published through an incredible press, Elephant’s Bookshelf Press. This house has never published books like mine before, like Lost Wings, but they were willing to take a chance on Richard Eastman, Avesta, Demarco, and Lucifer. And for that, I will always be grateful.

So, after all these long years, this novel about a war vet that comes home one night to find a wingless angel in his bathtub and then goes off on the mission of his life to find those wings, is finally here.

The Private Eye Writers of America hand out The Shamus Award every year at Bouchercon. This year, Critical Damage has made it to the final five entries in the “Best Original Paperback P.I. Novel” category. (see here for a complete list of all the finalists). The winner will be announced in October at an awards dinner during Bouchercon 2015 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Shamus Award is handed out to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. I have to be honest here and say that I am both stunned and amazed and incredibly happy by this nomination. And this is also incredible for another reason, as Critical Damage was a very cathartic novel for me, written during a very painful period of my life. It’s the Mallen novel that is closest to my heart.

Trust me, I’ll keep you posted. If you happen to be going to Bouchercon this year, please let me know. The hotel naturally has a bar, and that’s where you will find me.

The second Mark Mallen novel, CRITICAL DAMAGE, has arrived after a VERY tumultuous year.

Here’s what Library Journal has to say about the second Mark Mallen novel: “Lewis’s second entry in his gritty, no-holds-barred series (after Untold Damage) portrays the darker side of San Francisco and features a struggling hero still finding his way. Not for the faint of heart, this chilling tale of sexual depravity is perfect for conspiracy aficionados.”

So, get your copy now! You can find it at your local bookstore, or barring that, at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to review it. And again, thank you all for your undying support over the last couple years. SO very appreciated.

Ever wonder how Mallen was, back when he was in uniform? Well, now is your chance to find out.

The first Mark Mallen E-only short story, “Pure Mallen” is now available on Amazon, and Barnes&Noble. And at the low cost of $1.99, it’s a steal! Learn about Mark’s first night out on his own as a rookie.

Here’s the opening:

“Mark Mallen carefully adjusted the dark blue San Francisco policeman’s hat on his head. Checked his reflection in the full-length mirror Chris had nailed to the back of the bathroom door when they’d moved in six months ago. Staring at his reflection wasn’t really a thing he needed to do, it was more an homage to his father Ol’ “Monster” Mallen, who had been a cop for over thirty-five years until Alzheimer’s had taken both its toll and his shield. He remembered watching his Pops do this very thing every morning before he went out on his beat. Seemed only right that his son should do it, too…”

Hope you enjoy! If enough of you do, then there’s every chance this will be the first in a series of Mallen short stories.

(UPDATED 1/30/14 WITH ANOTHER READING! SEE #3) The 2nd Mark Mallen book, Critical Damage arrives in less than three months. April 8th. Can you believe it? Where does the time go? Not only did I make some business cards (see above), I’ve already scheduled a couple events I’d like to invite you to (if you’re in the bay area when they happen):

1. The Critical Damage launch party will be held at Diesel Books in Oakland on Thursday, April 10th @ 7pm. There will be some food things to nibble on and of course wine, beer, and maybe even Johnny Walker Black. (How could I have a Mallen party and NOT supply Scotch?) My thanks goes out to the Diesel Books event coordinator, Cheryl Ryan. She did a great job working with me to get this set up.

2. I will be giving a reading at Books Inc. Berkeley, on Wednesday, April 30th @ 7pm. Special thanks goes out to Anna Fonte, the Berkeley Books Inc. events coordinator. Such a warm and welcoming, helpful person.

3. I’m not also giving a reading at Books Inc. S.F. Marina, on Thursday, May 8th @ 7pm. Special thanks goes out to Amylia Pounds, the Chestnut Street Books Inc. event coordinator. She rocked at helping to get this set up.

And support your local independent book store, people! It would be a very sad, gray world without independent bookstores!

That’s all the news that’s fit to print right now. I’ll be having two or three contests/giveaways, so stay tuned. You need a Mark Mallen bowling shirt, yeah?